Despite the deservedly high expectations that follow everything Excision does, his latest album is more proof that he’ll continue to exceed them. Much like Skrillex’s Recess in 2014, Codename X is setting the bar for the year’s bass-heavy albums. It’s the Kelowna-native’s second solo studio album, following the massively successful debut work X Rated from 2011. Released via his very own Rottun Recordings, Codename X is quintessential Excision at his very best.
While Codename X is everything we could want from Excision, and more, there are several other artists with appearances on the album. Friendly-faces Downlink, Space Laces, and Messinian make their familiar mark, while acts like Pegboard Nerds, Dion Timmer, and The Firm showcase one of the attributes that sets Excision apart. His catalog of collaborations speak for themselves, and additions from Codename X fit right in. Whether Excision, also known as Jeff Abel, is working solo or with Destroid, he continually draws the best out of himself and others.
Fans of Excision’s 2014 Shambhala Mix, which has tallied more than 2 million listens on Soundcloud, will recognize several of the tunes from Codename X. The opening tune for the mix, X Up, thankfully makes it’s way onto the album. Collabs with Pegboard Nerds (Bring The Madness) and Downlink (Robo Kitty) also feature on the album, as well as one of his two tunes with Dion Timmer (Out Of Time). One of our favorite tunes from the mix, Night Shine, featuring The Firm and Luciana, is also included in Codename X. You can check out the full track-listing for the mix here.
Excision is currently celebrating the album release with his final Executioner tour, which kicked off earlier this month. He’s already finished the Northwest leg of the tour, performing in Vancouver, Portland, Eugene, and Boise. Our boots on the ground at the Northwest shows reported back with tales of incredible tunes, fantastic production, and a never-ending thirst for all of the bass.
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